Thanks to Xiao P for the nice photos!

Philipponnat ‘Le Leon’ Ay Grand Cru Extra Brut 2006

( Single vineyard, Blanc de Noirs ) 

The first vineyard acquired by the Philipponnat family in Year 1522, a chalky site in Ay Grand Cru that was once owned by Pope Leo X, hence the vineyard name Le Leon. Planted entirely with Pinot Noir, Le Leon forms the backbone of Philipponnat’s family-root Cuvee 1522, which is lightened by some 20% of Côte des Blancs Chardonnay.

Since the 2006 vintage, Philipponnat initiated a new range of vintaged terroir cuvees, including the monocru ‘Mareuil-sur-Ay’, the single vineyard ‘Le Leon’, and the single lieux-dit ‘Les Cintres’, the best central parcel in the illustrious Clos des Goisses. Note that all these 3 new terroir cuvees are Blanc de Noirs, reflecting Charles Philipponnat’s idea to emphasize Pinot Noir as the house DNA. And then since the 2008 vintage, Philipponnat has made its straight vintage cuvee into Blanc de Noirs as well. So now, Philipponnat must be the most Pinot-obsessed  Champagne house, with 4 different Blanc de Noirs Cuvees -- all vintage-dated. 

So how is the debut vintage 2006 of ‘Le Leon’ showing?

Tasted in May, 2016. 

The initial intriguing scents of tobacco leaves soon give way to succulent yellow peach, enhanced by hints of white pepper. The palate is lushly full yet ultra refined: dense, silky, fleshy yellow peach & citrus, seasoned by sweet spice. Rich & polished with lovely tension.

With aeration, however, the intense peppery chalkiness asserts itself, penetrating the richness of fruit with vibrant energy & exciting linearity. An impressive cuvee, alternating the show with richness, refinement & character.